Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Ultrasound Specialties

Ultrasound is rapidly progressing and becoming a widely-accepted medical imaging modality. It is revolutionizing the field of medicine. It is changing the ways diseases have been diagnosed. As you enter the profession of ultrasound, you will be involved in one, two or more specialty areas. As a sonographer, you will be performing a variety of examinations on a variety of patients from different age groups daily. This diversity of specialties and patients makes the profession challenging, enjoyable, exciting and never dull.

Abdomen / Small Parts

Here, the Sonographer evaluates most of the abdominal organs and checks for any abnormalities. Some of these organs are the thyroid (above L), testicle (above R), kidneys, liver, gall-bladder, pancreas, spleen, blood vessels and so on.

OB/GYN

Here, the Sonographer evaluates the fetus' head, body, and limbs because these give accurate assessments of the length of gestation. It also helps to determine whether the fetus is suffering from abnormalities or retarded growth. He/she also tries to evaluate the amniotic fluid, fetus' presentation, and the placenta.

The Sonographer also uses his/her skills and knowledge to evaluate the non-pregnant pelvis. The sonographer looks for signs of infections, cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, and other types of abnormalities.

Vascular

Doppler Sonography (A Special Form of Ultrasound)

The Sonographer uses this modality to evaluate the blood vessels and detect vascular problems and flow of blood in the heart. He/she also uses this modality to monitor fetal heart beat and blood flow during pregnancy and labor as well.

Neurosonography (Brain)

The Sonographer examines the inner structures of the brain and looks for tumors, bleeding or masses (if any).

Echocardiography (Cardiac)

The Sonographer evaluates the heart, its chambers, and its valves. Motion pictures of the patient's heart are obtained and evaluated.

Ophthalmic (Eye)

The Sonographer uses his/her skills to examine the eye and detect abnormalities such as tumors, detached retinas or internal hemorrhages.

Veterinary

Here, the Sonographer evaluates abdominal, pelvic and other organs of a variety of animals for abnormalities and diseases.